Silver Rain

by Lois Peterson

Abandoned by her father during the Depression, eleven-year-old Elsie lives in the garage behind her old house with her mother, grandmother Nan and out-of-work uncle. Elsie's friend Scoop accompanies her as she searches for her father in the city, encountering unfriendly hobos, food lines and shantytowns.

After both her uncle and her mother disappear on mysterious errands, Elsie and Scoop eventually discover them competing in a dance marathon. Persuading them to abandon the contest, Elsie and Scoop lead the exhausted dancers home, where Nan has news of Elsie's father and his impending return to the family.

Genres: Fiction, Juvenile, Young Adult, Historical, Historical Fiction, Canada

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

After writing for adults for more than 20 years, I turned to writing for younger readers in 2007. My first children's book, MEETING MISS 405 was published by Orca Book Publishers in Fall, 2008, and subsequently won top place in the BC Choclate Lily Children's Choice Award.

My subsequent seven books for readers aged six to 14 have been nominated for awards and included on prestigious lists of recommended reading.

My how-to book '101 - and more - Writing Exercises to Get You Started & Keep You Going' is used by writing teachers, students, and writers.

My first nonfiction book SHELTER; HOMELESSNESS IN OUR COMMUNITY will be published by Orca Book Publishers on Oct 12, 2021.

www.loispetersonwriter.ca

Reviews

[Darlene Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Depression of the 1930s was tough on everyone, and it hit Elsie’s family hard. After they lost their house and her Dad went missing, and then her mom and uncle left her alone with her grandmother; she couldn’t imagine things could get any worse. But as her Nan often said, “Desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures,” and Elsie will stop at nothing to get her family back together again.

This is a wonderful book that takes you back to another time with vivid descriptions of shantytowns, hobos and degrading dance marathons. The author has painted a perfect picture of the resiliency and determination of youth in the character of eleven year old Elsie. I highly recommend this book for young people, not just as a peek into the past but as encouragement to deal with the inevitable tough times in life. It is also a fun read with colourful characters, great use of language of the period and lots of action. Adults will love it too.

[Ashley Kohls · Rating 3 out of 5]

This children’s book, best suited for fourth to sixth grade, takes place during the Depression. Elise, an 11 year old girl, loses her home and her father abandons the family. Living in tight quarters with her mom, grandma, and uncle she never stops searching for her dad. Her friend Scoop helps her as they go on numerous adventures and end up in places they never thought they’d be in.

[Wilma Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good little glimpse into some of the difficulties of life in the depression from a child's point of view.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a light version of the plight of children during the Depression years. It is worth reading and may spark young readers to investigate further.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical fiction for young children (8-12).